Westmoreland County Player of Week 2: Franklin Regional's Adam Rudzinski

Adam Rudzinski threw two touchdown passes and made an interception to lead Franklin Regional to a 17-14 win over Latrobe Friday. (Photo by www.westernpasports.com)

Franklin Regional was in a dogfight last Friday night and didn’t expect it.

The winless, but scrappy, Latrobe Wildcats held a 14-0 lead at halftime against a Panthers team that was fresh off a lopsided victory over Plum.

"I think we did underestimate Latrobe," quarterback and team leader Adam Rudzinski said. "They are a good solid team and I think they'll do really well this season but we can't do that."

Latrobe’s defense had Franklin Regional’s number in the first half not allowing the Panthers to get on the scoreboard. But Rudzinski helped change all that in the second half - on offense, defense and special teams.

With the Wildcats offense deep inside the Panthers red zone midway through the third quarter, Rudzinski intercepted a pass thrown by Latrobe quarterback Branden Crosby. A short while later, Rudzinski connected with Devon Powell along the sideline on a 30-yard touchdown pass which cut their deficit to 14-7 and was the spark F-R needed.

"We have playmakers all across the field and Devon is one of them, Rudzinski said. "I saw the one-on-one coverage and I know he's an athlete and he'll go up and get the ball and that's exactly what he did. It brought a lot of momentum back to our team."

The fireworks continued in the fourth quarter.

Latrobe punter Nate Clair pinned Franklin Regional at its own 13 yard line and the Panthers were then flagged for an illegal block on their first play of the series which knocked them back to their own 7. That's when Rudzinski rose up and helped make what will become one of the biggest plays of the season.

Dropping back to near his own end zone, Rudzinski heaved a deep pass to wideout Mike Evans who hauled in the bomb and raced the rest of the way for a 93-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 14-14 with 6:51 left in the game.

Rudzinski said the play called in the huddle was a run. But the veteran quarterback has the leeway to check to a pass if he sees something in the defense. He did just that.

"We were supposed to run an inside zone but I saw one-on-one coverage with no safety, Rudzinski explained. I know Mike's fast, he does the 100 meter in track. He's a very fast and athletic kid. It was amazing... one of the best feelings I've ever felt playing the game."

The game was now tied but that wasn't the end of Rudzinski's heroics.

With just over five minutes remaining in the game, Franklin Regional forced Latrobe to punt and took over at the Wildcats 36-yard-line. The Panthers drove to the 15-yard-line to set up a 32-yard field goal but freshman kicker Anthony DiFalco's kick was blocked. Like superman, Rudzinski somehow picked up the football and ran for a first down.

"We were prepared. Our special teams coordinator coach (Larry) Sellitto practices those plays with us. If you watch the film Nick Leopold was ready to pick it up too it was just a lucky bounce towards me and I tried to make a play on it."

Franklin Regional couldn't score the go-ahead touchdown on three plays inside the 5-yard-line but this time it wouldn't matter. After a F-R false start penalty, DiFalco (whose brother Dom kicked for the team the last couple years) connected on the 27-yard field goal to put the Panthers up 17-14 with just 1:01 left and give them the victory.

"I'm very impressed by Anthony," Rudzinski said. "He plays varsity soccer right now and he's a great athlete. He knew exactly what this game meant for us and he was prepared."

Rudzinski finished his stellar night 13-for-29 for 295 yards and two touchdowns against Latrobe. In Franklin Regional's season opener, Rudzinski ran for 68 yards in a win over Plum. While he remains a running threat, he feels his passing has improved early in his senior season.

"This offseason I went to a couple of quarterback camps with Chad Salisbury (California Pa. offensive coordinator) and it helped me get my deep ball down, short routes, timing routes, pocket presence. It helped me a lot."

The Panthers had their 2017 season end in heart-breaking fashion in a 6-3 WPIAL quarterfinal loss to Upper St. Clair on a last second field goal. Rudzinski said head coach Greg Botta slightly altered the message this year.

"Coach Botta always preaches make the playoffs and win our last game. This season he said to win the conference and win our last game. So whatever we can do to continue our season to make it as long as possible."

The Panthers match up against Class 4A West Mifflin this Friday at home.

WSN Questionnaire

WSN: What do you enjoy most about playing football?

Adam: I love the team bonding. We're like family not just friends.

WSN: What do you like to do when you're not playing football?

Adam: I love to hang out with my friends and go camping.

WSN: Do you have any superstitions?

Adam: I wear a bowtie to school every Friday. I'm trying to carry that forward as long as I possibly can at least until we lose. I hope we don't lose.

WSN: Who is the guy on the team that keeps things light?

Adam: Brock O'Block. He'll be smiling on the sideline, dance or just sing a song in your ear out of nowhere.

WSN: What is your favorite music genre?

Adam: I like to listen to all types of music depending what type of music I'm in.

WSN: If you could go on a date with a celebrity, who would you choose?

Adam: Mila Kunis. I used to watch That 70's Show and I thought it was very funny.

WSN: Favorite subject in school?

Adam: Chemistry with Mrs. Fenton.

WSN: Who has had the biggest influence on your in your life?

Adam: My mom. She will be pushing me to be the best young man I can be. I love her so much.

WSN: What are you plans for college and what would you like to major in?

Adam: I want to play football at the next level and major in business finance or accounting.

THE OTHER FINALISTS

Marcus Barnes (Jeannette): Caught 8 passes for for 115 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 28-12 win over Imani Christian.

Zeke Houser (Norwin): Rushed 13 times for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 28-20 win over Hempfield.

Primanti Bros. in Greensburg is a proud sponsor of the Westmoreland County High School Football Player of the Week in 2018. Adam will receive a prize pack from Primanti's for his fantastic efforts. Don't forget to vote for your favorite player every week!